Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A backup in sewage sludge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Market Street prompted department head Dave Henderson to request the Board of Public Works and Safety approve a contract for its removal.
Henderson said the plant's digester, a large container for solid waste storage, was gradually being filled with a usable sludge that needs to be removed. Much of the material found in the digester is given to local farmers for fertilizer, but a layer of the fertilizer has been identified as unusable.
"We've lost about 20 percent of our storage space," Henderson said. "And it will only get worse if we don't do anything."
In the two years as department head, Henderson said the sludge has been collecting and reached a point where removal is appropriate.
The board approved the request, granting $8,235 for disposal and cleaning purposes. An additional estimated $5,000 will be needed for hauling away the sludge.
The board also reviewed requests from the street department regarding the awarding of contracts for various street projects.
A G&G Hauling and Excavating contract was approved, permitting the funding for laying of storm lines and manholes on Hepler Drive. This contract is in cooperation with Zimmer for the proposed construction of Zimmer Drive. The total bid for the project is $29,192.
A street department contract for city auction responsibilities also was approved by the board, as well as a bid by Morton for the purchase of salt for the upcoming winter months.
In other matters, three change orders were approved by the board for construction efforts related to the new Kohl's facility on Ind. 15 and CR 300N.
Each change order consisted of an increase in construction costs; however, the city will not be responsible for the new amounts. A prior agreement held the city responsible for $225,000 to fund the project, which has been paid.
The board also:
• Tabled two requests from the wastewater utilities and sewage collection offices for new digital mailing systems. Mayor Ernie Wiggins asked to speak with department officials to decide whether each department could adequately use one system instead of two.
• Approved a request from Jennifer Whitaker, human resource department director, to allow for the use of new city employment applications. According to Whitaker, the new applications will be easier for individuals to complete.
• Approved John Ogden, of the street department, and Andrew LeCount, of the wastewater utility department, for promotions. Both workers will be replacing full-time department employees.
Present BOW members were Wiggins, Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith.
The next meeting is Oct. 21.
